Abstract
The effect of dynamic loading, in particular fatigue loading, is a major consideration in the
analysis and
design of various engineering structures. An experimental investigation was conducted on the effect
of fatigue loading on composite deck slabs. Composite deck slabs have been used extensively under
static loading conditions but with limited use under vibration conditions. In this paper, the focus
is on the composite Bond-Dek slab which is formed using a cold-formed steel profile. Composite
action between the steel profile and the concrete slab is provided by rolled dimples or embossments
that project from the sides of the steel profile. The experimental work involved testing the slabs
for ultimate static strength and then subjecting the specimens to various cyclic fatigue load
levels. As a result of the study, it appears justified that under static loading, debonding of the
steel/concrete interface occurs prior to ultimate load, with failure occurring as a result of shear
bond rupture. Fatigue test results have indicated that the composite deck slabs can further be used
in structures subjected to fatigue loading. From the experiments, it was observed that the usual
S-N curve representation was not appropriate for the results since there was an abrupt transition
between the failure and no-failure points, and due to the limited test results. The results are
thus represented in a modified Goodman Diagram which makes the rational design approach easier to
interpret and implement. The limitation of the experimental test was the type of the steel profile,
the loading conditions and the frequency of the applied load, which was limited to 4 Hz.